Abe vows support for Duterte projects
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sat, 01 Jun 2019 06:38:33 +0000
TOKYO, Japan – Prime Minister Abe Shinzo reassured President Duterte of his country’s continuous support for his projects following the victory of administration senatorial candidates in the recent midterm polls.
Abe, in his joint press statement with Duterte following their seventh summit meeting at the Prime Minister’s office here Friday, said that the victory of Duterte’s eight senatorial candidates only shows how people approve of his policies and actions for the past three years.
“President Duterte, may I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the overwhelming victory that you had achieved in the recent midterm elections in your Republic. The result is a manifestation of the tremendous support shown to the President’s track record during the past three years,” Abe said.
“The government of Japan will continue our strong support for projects actively being promoted by the President such as the peace process in Mindanao and infrastructure development,” he added.
Abe noted in his remarks that the peace process in Mindanao entered a new stage following the creation of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in February.
The Prime Minister said Japan will continue supporting and be attuned to the progress of the peace process so the people of Mindanao can truly enjoy the peace dividend soon.
“I believe the priority lies in the strengthening of the administrative capacity of the Transition Authority and the facilitation of disarmament of soldiers of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Abe said.
Abe said that Japan is proud to be the largest partner supporting Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program. “We will continue to strongly support the sustainable economic development of the Philippines through assistance in quality infrastructure,” he said.
The Japanese leader welcomed the decision of the Philippines to lift the import suspension of fishery products from Fukushima prefecture prior to the President’s visit to Tokyo.
“Safety of agriculture, forestry, and fishery products of Fukushima is ensured through thorough inspections and other measures. Our government will continue to make outmost efforts to push for relaxation or removal of import restrictions imposed by some countries and wipe out the hurtful rumors,” Abe said.
Abe noted that the Philippines and Japan are also working closely in the area of security by continuing to engage in joint exercises, providing support in capacity building, and seeking to deepen dialogue on the policy front. (Argyll Geducos)